Abbott graves



A. GRAVES.

(No Model.)

EASEL.

5% m M A W Pajie'nted Oct-13, 1891.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

'ABBOTT GRAVES, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO YVADSWVORTH,

I-IOlVLAND & 00.,

OF SAME PLACE.

EASEL.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 461,331, dated-October 13, 1891.

Application filed June 20,1891.

described, reference being had to the accompanying sheet of drawings, in which- Figure 1 represents in front view in open position an easel constructed and arranged for operation in accordance with this invention. Figs. 2 and 3 are detail side views showing means for holding portions of the frame in open and folded positions, respectively. Fig. 4 is a cross-section on line 4 4, Fig. 2. Figs. 5 and 6 are detail side views, showing the means of supporting and holding the canvas-frame in position. Fig. 7 is a detail side View of the top of the easel. Fig. 8 is a cross-section on line 8 8, Fig. 5; and Fig.9 is a cross-section on line 9 9, Fig. 6.

In the drawings, A is the easel, each of its legs or uprights B, C, and D being made in two parts a b, pivoted together at d, and by their upper ends pivoted to a holder E, so that the two front legs or uprights B O can swing to and from each other and the rear one D to and from the other two, and all by their pivots d, adapted to be folded upon themselves, all substantially as usual in easels,

and needing no more particular description herein.

Pivoted at f to the upper end of each lower half I) of each upright is a clasp F, which when the two parts of the upright are opened for use, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the two arms g of the clasp swing over and clasp the sides of the lower end of the upper half a, keeping the two parts from swinging on their pivots and holding them firmly in such position, and when the two parts are folded together the adjacent ends h m of the two parts of each upright will be in such position that the arms 9 of each clasp can be swung over the end m Serial No. 396,923. (No model.)

groove L in the rear edge of the upright, as 1 shown in Figs. 6 and 9, and when in such position the block G is held firmly at such height on the upright. There are a more or less number of grooves L in each front upright, so that'each block G can belplaced and held at any desired height thereon. The stretched canvas or panel when on the easel rests on these blocks, and to prevent its lateral detachment therefrom a pointed pin q, inserted in each block, projects upward therefrom, the canvas frame or panel being pressed down upon them.

M' M are two hooks, their arms 1" being con nected together by two cross wires or rods N P, which are placed over the upright, the upright being between the rods and arms, but loosely enough to freely slide up and down thereon, the hooks extending forward beyond the upright, as shown.

Q is a wedge-shaped block arranged to rest 5 against the front of the upright, one to each front upright, having a longitudinal slot 6, through which freely passes the rod N.

The blocks G being placed on the two front uprights and their cross-rods J in the transverse grooves L for the desired height of the canvas or panel on the easel, the canvas or panel R is placed on the upper ends u of the blocks and pressed down on the pins q. The hook M of each upright is then placed over the top edge 1) of the canvas or panel B and the wedge -shaped block Q pressed firmly down between the upright and the canvas or panel, as shown in Fig. 5, which presses such canvas or panel outwardly against the hooks and firmly secures and holds the canvas or panel to the easel.

The wedge-shaped blocks allow for varying thicknesses of canvases or panels to be placed in position, and the slots allow sufficient up and down movements and also secure them to their respective hooks.

In lieu of two hooks to each block one only need be used; but it is preferable to use two. The uprights or legs can be made of wood or any suitable material; but it is preferable tomake the-hooks and'other parts of metal.

The rod N need not extend through the block Q, as each arm can have a short pin to engage with a longitudinal slot in the side of the block adjacent thereto, the hooksin such case being secured together at their outer ends. It is preferable, however, to have the cross-rod and extend through the block, as shown.

WVhen the canvas or panel is secured as described on the easel, it serves for the usual cross-bar or shelf of the easel, and by its confinement between the rest-blocks Gand hooks M, secured to the uprights, the uprights or legs are held firmly in position, thereby dispensing with such cross-bar.

Having thus described my invention, what I c aim is v 1. An easel having its uprights made in two or more parts pivoted together, one of which is provided Witha clasp pivoted thereto, having arms adapted 'to project over and clasp the sides of the otherpart when swung into proper position, for the purpose specified.

2. In an easel, the combination, with its upright, of a hook secured to said upright and adapted to slide up and down thereon, anda Wedge-shaped block arranged to engage with said hook, for the purpose specified.

3. In an easel, the combination, with its upright, of a hook secured to said upright and adapted to slide up and down thereon and provided with a cross rod or arm N, and a Wedge-shaped block having a longitudinal slot through which said cross rod or arm extends, for the purpose specified.

4. In an easel, the combination, with its upright, of a hook secured to said upright and adapted to slide up and down thereon, a Wedge-shaped block provided with a longitudinalslotarranged to engagewith said hook,

. and arest-block having a clasp pivoted thereto and adapted to engage with a transverse slot my hand in the presence of two subscribing Witnesses.

ABBOTT GRAVES.

Witnesses:

EDWIN W. BROWN, CARRIE E. NICHOLS. 

